Earwigs are fairly recognizable pests, but this doesn’t make them any less troublesome when they invade your Gilbert property. Below, we tell you everything you need to know about earwigs and how to prevent an earwig infestation.
Earwig Need To Knows
The earwig is a smaller insect that ranges from dark brown to black and is well-known for its pincers. These pincers protrude from its abdomen and are generally used to fend off predators or catch food. And despite their unsightly, sometimes frightening appearance, earwigs are not considered harmful to humans. They cannot hurt humans with their pincers and will typically run away from humans or pets threatening them rather than fighting.
Additionally, it is an old wives’ tale that earwigs crawl into your ears in order to enter your brain to lay eggs – earwigs are no more likely than any other insect to enter your ear, which means it is incredibly rare for this to occur.
Earwigs will usually choose to remain outside but may sometimes find themselves inside your home, typically due to looking for pools of moisture or a dark, secluded area to hide. You are most likely to find earwigs around your home in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and in any debris that you may have in your yard. To prevent an earwig infestation, you will first need to remove any factors that attract these pests.
How To Prevent Earwigs
If you want to know how to prevent earwigs, you can follow the below prevention tactics. These can help put a stop to an earwig infestation before it even gets started.
- Earwigs are very attracted to areas of moisture around your property, as they prefer to shelter in dark, moist places during the day. You may find earwigs in bathtubs, garages, pools, or showering areas as a result. To deter these pests from your property, make sure there are no leaks inside or outside your house. You should also set up proper ventilation on your property to ensure that no damp areas occur.
- Inspect your home and seal up all potential entry points that earwigs may enter your home through. Pay special attention to gaps and cracks in windows and doors. You may want to repair window and door screens in addition to updating door sweeps and weatherstripping. Also, make an effort to keep all exterior doors and windows closed when possible.
- Ensure that your yard is kept clear of debris, especially organic debris such as damp, moist wood and leaves. Store firewood and lumber piles at least ten feet away from your home and keep your grass trimmed low.
- A great way to prevent earwigs is to invest in bird feeders for your yard. Birds are natural predators and may deter earwigs from entering your property in the first place. Birds can also help to control any outdoor earwig population and stop it from growing out of control.
How To Get Rid Of Earwigs
If you are wondering how to get rid of earwigs for good, then you should be contacting All Clear Pest Control to learn more about total earwig control. Our experts can help you battle an earwig infestation and protect your property from these nuisance pests.